We are seeking an experienced Infrastructure Database Administrator to manage SQL Server and Azure database platforms, support modernisation activity, and help enable new claims platform services.
Key Responsibilities
Database Platform Administration
- Administer SQL Server environments across production, test and development, including installation, configuration, patching, upgrades and lifecycle management.
High Availability, Backup and Disaster Recovery
- Design, maintain and test HA/DR and backup/recovery solutions, including Always On, Failover Clustering, Log Shipping and Replication.
Azure Database Services and Cloud Modernization
- Administer Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance and SQL Server on Azure VMs, using Azure-native monitoring, backup, security and governance capabilities.
- Support migration and modernisation from legacy SQL Server environments to Azure SQL services and cloud-ready database architecture patterns.
Modern Data Technologies and Claims Platform Enablement
- Design, configure, administer and optimise Cosmos DB, including data modelling, partitioning, throughput, resilience and performance.
- Support Microsoft Fabric use cases for analytics, reporting and modern data platform integration.
- Ensure new claims platform services are operationally ready, documented and supportable.
Performance, Monitoring and Operational Excellence
- Monitor database health, capacity and performance; resolve incidents, bottlenecks and database-related service issues.
- Configure and maintain monitoring and alerting tools such as Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Redgate SQL Monitor, PRTG, Zabbix or Nagios.
- Participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota with other DBAs to support critical database services and incidents.
Security, Compliance and Access Management
- Implement database security, access control, encryption, vulnerability remediation and compliance practices across on-premises and cloud platforms.
Automation and Continuous Improvement
- Automate routine DBA activities with PowerShell, Azure tooling, Azure Automation, Azure CLI or Infrastructure as Code where appropriate.
- Improve efficiency through scripting, standardisation, repeatable procedures, CI/CD support and stronger monitoring coverage.
- Act as a database SME, supporting documentation, handovers, knowledge transfer and mentoring where required.
Required Skills and Experience
- 5+ years administering Microsoft SQL Server, including SQL Server 2016/2019/2022 and hybrid cloud environments.
- Experience with Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, SQL Server on Azure VMs and database migration to Azure SQL services.
- Strong HA/DR, backup, restore, performance troubleshooting, monitoring and capacity management experience.
- PowerShell scripting and automation experience.
- Hands-on Cosmos DB experience is mandatory, including administration, configuration or optimisation.
- Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work independently and collaborate with global teams.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Microsoft Fabric exposure for analytics, reporting or modern data platform integration.
- Experience with claims platforms, insurance systems, Azure migration tooling, Redgate or similar DBA tools.
- Exposure to Azure Backup, Site Recovery, Key Vault, governance, RBAC, policies, Terraform or Infrastructure as Code.
- Experience with continuous integration practices, PowerShell scripting and Git source control.
- Experience with large SQL estates, legacy SQL components such as SSIS/SSRS/SSAS/MDS, or ITIL-based operations.